Agriculture Extension Assistant (OVOP initiatives)

About LITACA/MRRD:

The project Livelihood Improvement in Tajik—Afghan Cross Border Areas (LITACA) is the first socio-economic development project between the Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Republic of Tajikistan executed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) —Tajikistan Office in Tajik side and the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD) of the Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Afghan side. The project is funded by the Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

LITACA II a 3 year initiative (2018 – 2020) to improve living standards and promote stability and security in the bordering provinces of Tajikistan and Afghanistan. This will be achieved by reducing poverty, supporting economic development and cross-border collaboration among the communities along the Tajik-Afghan border. More than 130,072people will directly benefit from LITACA project while the livelihoods of more than 1,823,828) people living in target bordering communities will be strengthened. The project will offer capacity development opportunities for the local governments, civil society and private sector organizations to sustainably manage local socio-economic development. As well, the project will offer investments for rehabilitating priority infrastructure initiatives and business development as a means of improving livelihoods of the target population, and thereby promoting stability and security in the region.

Job Description:

Duties & Responsibilities:

Coordinates the distribution of agricultural inputs.
Facilitates the availability and reimbursement of loans/credits to farmers.
Manages and facilitates the recording of all material and labor resources diverted to out growers.
Contribute to the promotion of extension reforms and capacity development for extension/advisory services with special attention to demand-led, pluralistic, decentralized, market-orientated, and participatory approaches that meet the diverse needs of smallholders and rural people, especially women and marginal groups.
Establishes farmers working groups to enhance proper communication and sharing of limited resources.
Formulate and implement projects that strengthen agricultural/rural extension and provide technical assistance in capacity development of agriculture innovation systems.
Logistical and technical support for land development, seedbed preparation, cane cultivation, harvesting, loading and transporting.
Offers technical support and advisory services to farmers in conducting field adaptation/demonstrations /observation trials, technology transfer, problem assessment and surveys (soil, plant, cane sampling), etc.
Provide technical advice on design elements to strengthen and reform extension systems.
Provide support in the organization and delivery of technical workshops, consultations, seminars and training sessions Coordinate the planting and harvesting operations as per set schedules.
Advises farmers on proper utilization of inputs and cane money to improve their livelihood.
Facilitates and implements the recommended on-farm research.
Records performance monitoring and evaluation data;
As deemed necessary, carries out other tasks assigned.

Job Requirements:

Experience and Skills Required:

Bachelor degree with 2 years relevant experience or Diploma/certificate in agriculture or related fields with 4 years relevant experience.
Excellent communication skills
Ability to work under pressure and meet stipulated deadlines.
Display professional demeanour with qualities such as strong work ethics, trustworthiness, and self-confidence.
Strong influencing skills and consultative skills to bring efficiency and pro – activeness.
Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity
Excellent organizational, time and stress management skills
Experience in working with local government or NGOs on agriculture

 Language Requirement:

Fluency in Pashto, Dari and English is required for the post.

 Submission Guideline:

Interested Afghans with the required qualifications and experience should submit their applications electronically through vacancies.hrcsd@mrrd.gov.af
While submitting your applications please mention the Title of the position plus Vacancy Number in the subject of the e-mail; please do NOT submit any other supporting documentation or educational certificates with your application. If you are short listed you will be asked to submit electronic copies of your educational certificates and if you are invited to written test you will be required to present the original certificates. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date of the position. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for written test Note: In the interests of open and fair competition and a merit based selection process applicants are advised that lobbying for a position , whether by the applicant or by any person acting on his or her behalf, shall result in the immediate disqualification of the candidate from further consideration. Applicants are strongly advised to inform potential supporters of this restriction which shall be strictly enforced.

Please don’t forget to type the Vacancy Announcement Number (1043/019/HRCSD/LITACA/MRRD) in Subject while applying online. Application without vacancy number will not be accepted.

The Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is highly committed to increase women’s participation in government sector therefore women are highly encouraged to apply.

 Submission Email:

vacancies.hrcsd@mrrd.gov.af